Foundation that's not cakey or drying

[Lavavo]

So I've tried Revlon 24 hour foundation for normal/dry skin and after a week or so I've got patches of drier, slightly flaky skin, not a good look!

I need a foundation that's good for pale skin, it's not particularly dry but I'm in my early 40s and it's drier than it used to be.

Did wonder about Bobbi Brown or Mac? I want something that's not heavy looking but will make me look a bit fresher and that won't be drying. Needs to last all day as well and not come off with a bit of rain or sweat lol!

Also, do you guys use powder over your foundations? Back in my early 20s it was necessary, do they still need it to 'set' them?

I'm after the same thing. Recently had a tester for Bobbi Brown Longwear Weightless Foundation and was really disappointed - it was really thick on my skin and difficult to apply. I do use powder, I've got a powder compact from Mac called Mineralize which I really recommend - its a fine, invisible finish.

Estee Lauder Double Wear. If it's too cakey for you, either use less, or try the "light" version.

Primarks foundation is amazing! Total dupe of double wear and £5. I can't remember the name but it's in a similar bottle to double wear.

Armani luminous silk, I'm pale, mid 40's and really rate it. It's pricey but worth it in my opinion. But if I'm a bit skint I'll use bourjois cc cream. Really great at the price.

I’m loving The Ordinary’s foundation (and other products) my skin is better than ever and never dry now.

I though the body shop was good too.

nars pure radiance, it's quite pricey but only a little is needed. really do like it, space NK should give you a sample

i quite like no7 tinted moisturiser too

I use No. 7 mineral foundation. It's a powder foundation, dust it on with a brush. It's really light, last all day and despite it being a powder it's not drying at all plus the minerals let your skin breathe and it's virtually impossible to look cakey in it.

YSL Fusion Ink Cushion Foundation is idiot-proof & not at all drying. Fairly limited shade range though.

The ordinary serum foundation is nice and not drying. Also Cover Fx Natural Finish and Cream foundations, and MAC face & body. Also bare minerals complexion rescue if you want something hydrating with v light coverage.

I think if your skin is flaking, it IS on the dry side, and you should treat it as such. Prep your skin well with a good moisturiser before applying foundation. Try changing up your skincare aswell - if you buy/try one thing, get the Clinique clarifying lotion. It exfoliates you skin gently and it might actually solve all your foundation problems because foundation will always look awful on dead skin cells.

Thanks all. The flaky patches are only as a result of using the foundation for a week so it's that which has dried my skin out more. I used to use clinique foundation, can't remember why I stopped, it was probably when the children were babies and money was tighter. I had looked at Nars as well. I'd prefer one where I can be colour matched as I've got pale skin and can struggle getting a match sometimes.

I like the Bobbi Brown Long Wear Even Finish Compact. It's not too heavy and even on my dry skin lasts all day without flaking. The compact is also convenient for taking out and about.

How much coverage do you actually need?

I find most tinted moisturisers to have good enough coverage, without the heavy foundation finish.

I like The Original foundations

I use Clinique, Even Better. Goes on really well and very light

Another vote for The Ordinary here, covers as well as foundations that are 4x more expensive, IMO

I have been using some from Poundland I was a bit dubious but need to watch pennies and I have to say it seems fine and my skin is quite sensitive

I love the Bobbi Brown serum foundation. I am also pale with dry skin and it’s the perfect weight and even has spf40

The ordinary is good for pale skins there’s lots of choice and not expensive so you can mix colours or get several to take you through a summer tan (or almost tan!). The primer is good too.